9 Nights - Heritage of South and Gems of North India
Arrive Bangalore, the garden city of India. After clearing airport formalities, transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.
Today, visit the famous Hoysala Temple Complex, still in active worship, in Belur. Also visit Halebidu, the erstwhile capital of the Hoysalas. The Hoysaleswara Temple here perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns, is a sculptural extravaganza.
This afternoon, drive to Mysore for 2 nights stay.
Today, enjoy a city tour of Mysore visiting the Maharaja's Palace, one of the biggest palaces in India; St Philomena's Church; and Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery in the Jag Mohan Palace, which has a collection of exquisite paintings.
In the evening visit the Chamundi hill and Bull temple to see the daily prayers and rituals being performed by priests.
After breakfast, embark on your return drive to Bangalore, where you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Delhi, the capital city of India.
Upon arrival in Delhi, check in at your hotel for overnight stay.
This morning, discover the history and heritage of Delhi, with a visit to Qutab Minar, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Then drive to the old part of the city, walking through the busy streets of Chandni Chowk, to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. En route, drive past the splendid Red Fort, India Gate, President's House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings of Lutyens Delhi.
Later this afternoon, embark on your drive to Agra, city of the world famous Taj Mahal.
Upon arrival in Agra, check in to your hotel for overnight stay.
This morning witness the surreal views of the Taj Mahal by sunrise. Step inside this eternal symbol of love and appreciate the intricate designs and symmetries that rhyme as a poem written in marble. Taj Mahal is an extravagant display of love, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Later visit the splendid Agra fort, built in red sandstone, encapsulating magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens
Enjoy the evening at leisure in Agra.
After breakfast, embark on a leisurely drive to Jaipur - land of the Rajputs. Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance and traditional arts and crafts. Known, as the 'Pink City', Jaipur is home to ancient forts and palaces and is one of India's most well planned cities.
En route to Jaipur, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. Upon arrival check in at your hotel for 02 nights stay. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Jaipur.
This morning, visit the Amber fort, which was built in the 16th century. An elephant ride will help you ascend to this hilltop fort (elephants are subject to availability). Alternatively, you could choose to walk or drive up to the fort.
This afternoon, visit the City Palace complex with its museums and Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory, and the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), built in the 18th century. This palace with its innumerable windows and screened balconies was especially built for the royal women to view the city and processions from behind their purdahs.
Later explore the many facets of Jaipuri crafts such as semi precious jewels, pottery, colourful embroidered fabrics with mirror work, woven carpets etc – watch artisans at work and enjoy souvenir shopping in this colourful city of Jaipur.After breakfast, embark on a return drive to Delhi, where you will be transferred to the International Airport to catch your flight back home. Travelite (India) services terminate at Delhi.